THIS is how new container business units in High Wycombe will now look - after the designs were given a revamp when councillors branded the previous proposals “cheap and nasty”.

Twelve new business units will be built as part of a major overhaul of the former Compair Works in Bellfield Road.

In June, councillors agreed to plans for a six-storey building with 68 flats inside on the site - which is currently a car park - but could not agree with the design of the proposed 12 business units alongside it.

They were supposed to take inspiration from the success of the container design for DesBox in Baker Street - but they were slammed for looking “third world” and “cheap and nasty” - so the plans went back to the drawing board.

At a Wycombe District Council planning committee meeting on July 24, the new designs - pictured - were praised by councillors.

Cllr Neil Marshall said “you wouldn’t know they were containers”, adding: “Wycombe has a lot of start-up businesses and this is planting seeds that will grow into great things. I think this should be commended.”

Cllr Alan Hill, who in June said the buildings looked “vulnerable to those who want to go in there and steal stuff”, this time said the designs were “100 times better than what came to us before”.

All councillors voted unanimously in favour of the new designs.

Wycombe District Council’s major projects and estates department, who put forward the plans for the homes and the business units, said the new containers would “fill the gap” in the market for small companies and start-ups.

They said: “Historically the market has struggled to provide for SMEs, which tend to have higher management costs, lower rents and higher turnover.

“SMEs are often pushed towards unsuitable, expensive accommodation at the end of its life.

“The current proposal is intended to fill the identified gap in the market for this socially and economically desirable use.”

n What do you think of the design? Email bfpletters@london.newsquest.co.uk.